Consumer Line Issue #70
March 2019
CONSUMER PROTECTION
Mississauga Curbsider Jailed for 30 Days
Illegal vehicle sales and rolled-back odometers have resulted in a 30-day jail sentence for a Mississauga man. Szymon Kozlowski, was found guilty of curbsiding—acting as a dealer without registration—contrary to the Motor Vehicles Dealers Act (MVDA), and of committing an unfair business practice—making a false, misleading or deceptive representation—in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA).
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5 Signs You May be Dealing with a Scam Artist
March is Fraud Prevention Month, an important campaign designed to help Canadians recognize, report and reject scams. While it’s great to raise awareness every March, OMVIC recommends ‘scam awareness’ be practiced all year long, especially if you are planning on buying a car online.
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Fraud Prevention Month – Beware of Curbsiders
This Fraud Prevention Month OMVIC is reminding consumers to beware of curbsiders; illegal unlicensed dealers who often pose as private sellers. Some operate from small automotive businesses (repair shops, rental companies, etc.). Others spend their time behind a computer screen, lying in wait in online marketplaces, ready to pounce on unsuspecting consumers. In fact, 25% of online private vehicle sale ads are 'actually' placed by curbsiders.
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Buying a Used Vehicle in Ontario? Get a Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection BEFORE You Buy!
Buying a car can be a huge financial commitment and no one wants to end up with buyer’s remorse due to unexpected repairs soon after the purchase. That is why its vital consumers exercise ‘due diligence’ before purchasing any used vehicle – and in many cases, that means getting a pre-purchase mechanical inspection.
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OMVIC administers and enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) on behalf of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. OMVIC maintains a fair and informed vehicle sales marketplace by regulating dealers and salespersons, regularly inspecting Ontario's 8,000 dealerships and 30,000 salespeople, maintaining a complaint line for consumers and conducting investigations and prosecutions of industry misconduct and illegal sales (curbsiding). OMVIC is also responsible for administering the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund on behalf of its Board of Trustees.
Consumer Line is OMVIC’s consumer guide to Ontario’s motor vehicle dealer industry. It is published throughout the year, delivered free via e-mail and provides consumers with useful tips, industry news and important, up-to-date information.
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